Party Checklist: How to Plan the Best Party

Five helpful steps to throwing a party:

1. Once the party date is set, establish your party budget, find a venue, and think of a party theme.
   Will you be splitting the party cost with someone or flying solo?
   Will you be heading to the local bowling alley or have a backyard BBQ? The venue can pretty much make or break your party budget so choose wisely.
   What's your theme? Try to pick a theme that will have something for everyone on your guest list.

2. Make your guest list and send out invites.
   Sometimes figuring out who to invite can be tricky. Do you invite the neighbor that always includes you in their fantasy football parties? Do you invite the nosey coworker who is also a great bartender? However big or small your guest list is, just keep one thing in mind: invite the people that will help make your party the most fun and enjoyable it can be.
   Are you running short on time to send out a fancy invite? You can use an online invitation resource like Evite where they have a great selection of invitations that you can send out in one easy email to all of your party guests.

3. Plan your party menu!
   Here are some things you can ask yourself: what time of day will the party take place? Will it be a potluck? If food is allowed at the venue, do they have an area for you to prep the food? Maybe the venue will provide food and drinks and you won't have to worry about anything.
   Make sure you look over all of the options that are available to you. The amount of guests you have will determine the amount of appetizers, beverages, and food you'll have to serve. And don't forget about any guests that may have food allergies.

4. Start planning your party decor!
   Gathering party decor is one of my favorite things to do! Depending on the theme, you can grab a lot of fun props from a local party store such as Party City, Walmart, or even Target. If you have some time before the party date, you can get fun photo booth props, large scene setters, and even personalized party products from places like Shindigz.
   The dollar store can also be a great place to gather some inexpensive party decor, plates, cups, and quick party snacks. Pick up some vases for your centerpieces and candles to light up your dinner party. The possibilities are endless when shopping for party decor!

5. The party started and guests are arriving - now what?
   Put on some party music in the background. Some of the guests may even feel the need to start dancing. Have some games set out at some of the tables; Jenga and Uno are some great ones. Make sure you have some photo booth props sitting out so your guests can take pictures during the party. Your guests will stay busy and occupied while you're handling any last minute details.
   I hope these guidelines have helped and that you'll want to start planning your next party really soon! Summer is right around the corner and there are endless possibilities for fun!

Laura Aguirre from lauraslittleparty.com